Jamaica, NY: NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens announced its annual Mother’s Day Mammography Screening Event, continuing a valued tradition aimed at promoting regular cancer screenings, especially for breast cancer. The event was co-sponsored by the Office of Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, which played a key role in promotion and outreach to highlight the importance of women taking preventive measures to receive timely care.
Among those who participated was Assemblywoman Hyndman, who not only attended the event but also took the opportunity to have her own mammogram. The Assemblywoman had not had a mammogram for two years and expressed her commitment to encouraging other women to prioritize their health as well. “As women, we often focus on caring for others, and in doing so, we sometimes neglect our own health. It's essential to practice self-care and make time for regular screenings. Taking charge of our health is a vital step in ensuring we can continue to care for those we love,” she stated.
42 mammograms were completed during the event, underscoring NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens' dedication to ensuring that women have access to vital preventive care.
Assemblywoman Hyndman has been a strong advocate for cancer prevention beyond today’s event. She sponsored A7001A, which requires manufacturers of synthetic braiding hair, weaves, and extensions to disclose all ingredients and label products containing carcinogens or reproductive toxicants. This legislation addresses health risks from harmful chemicals disproportionately affecting communities of color, empowering consumers with transparency to make informed choices.
(l to r) Dr. Abbi-Gail Baboolal, Chief Nursing Officer; Yamileth Cruz, Special Procedures Tech; Twinkle Jacob, RN, MSN; Allison Pescovitz, MD FACS, Associate Chief, Department of Surgery and Chief, Breast Service; Eslanda Dasher, Esq., Chief of Staff; Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman; Linda Andriano, Radiologic Technologist, Marzya Sdrewski, PA-C, MBA, Chief Operating Officer; and Florencia Laurel, RN. (Photo courtesy: NYC Health+Hospitals/Queens)
Neil J. Moore, MBA, MPA, FACHE, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, emphasized the hospital's commitment to early detection: “At NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, we are dedicated to ensuring that our community has access to the necessary resources for early cancer detection. By raising awareness and providing screenings, we can help more individuals detect cancer at its earliest stages, improving outcomes and saving lives.”
In addition to providing screenings, the event featured educational tables set up in the hospital atrium and near the testing area, offering patients, employees, and community members valuable information about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. This educational initiative aligns with the hospital's commitment to empowering the community with knowledge about health and wellness.
Recognized with the highest Gold accreditation from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, the Queens Cancer Center is a Center of Excellence that brings comprehensive world-class care to the Queens community, eliminating the need for patients to travel outside their borough for advanced treatment. The Center offers a full range of services including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecological oncology, chemotherapy, pain management, palliative care, social work, and oncologic psychiatry.
Dr. Ellen Hagopian, Director of the Queens Cancer Center, remarked, “Our award-winning cancer center is dedicated to not only treating patients but also to advocating for preventive measures and screenings. Events like today help us spread that message far and wide.” Since opening in 2002, the Queens Cancer Center has facilitated cancer screenings, educational programs, clinical research, and tobacco cessation initiatives throughout Queens.
To further accommodate patients, Radiology will offer additional mammogram appointments on several Sundays in May, ensuring access for those who could not attend the main event. The hospital is also committed to promoting health awareness through flyers distributed to primary care providers and social media engagement, while ensuring patient confidentiality and anonymity at all times.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support women and promote health awareness, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens encourages all women over the age of 40 to schedule regular mammograms. The Breast Service at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens follows the guidelines set forth by the American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Cancer Society, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which recommend yearly screening starting at age 40. Mammograms are free for self-pay patients and have no co-pay for insured patients.
For those interested, you can watch a short video chronicling today’s event at the following link here.
For more information about upcoming events or to schedule a mammogram, please contact 718-883-4133. For additional information about NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, please visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/queens.
